SB 978: Data centers: labor: electricity rates.

The bill aims to regulate data centers in California by requiring the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to establish a special rate structure for data centers with high electricity demands. This rate structure will protect other customers, prohibit cost shifts, and require data centers to pay for upfront transmission or distribution infrastructure upgrades. The construction of data centers under this rate structure must comply with certain labor requirements. The bill also requires the PUC to include the impacts of data centers on the state's ability to achieve its renewable energy goals in the annual joint report with other relevant state agencies. The report will assess the state's progress towards achieving 90% renewable energy by 2035, 95% by 2040, and 100% by 2045. The bill imposes a state-mandated local program, requiring reimbursement for costs mandated by the state. However, the…